ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Two massive explosions rocked Yemen's oil-rich northeastern province of Marib on Tuesday as escalating fighting continues near the strategic city, a government official told Xinhua.

"Two massive explosions caused by ballistic missiles fired by the Houthi rebels against the densely populated city of Marib, with no casualties," said a local government source on condition of anonymity.

The two Houthi-fired ballistic missiles landed on an empty area near a government facility in Marib, he added.

For the third consecutive day, the southern and western areas of Marib are witnessing non-stop battles, leaving dozens from the two-warring sides killed and injured.

"Nearly 30 soldiers were critically injured in today's fighting and are receiving treatment at the medical center," said medical sources at Marib's public hospital.

During the past two days, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensified their military operations and carried out a large offensive against Marib controlled by the Yemeni government.

Earlier in the day, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths expressed concern over renewed attacks by the Houthi rebels on Marib.

"Extremely concerned about the resumption of hostilities in the governorate of Marib by Ansar Allah (Houthi rebel group), especially at a time of renewed diplomatic momentum to end the war in Yemen and resume the political process," Griffiths tweeted.

"A negotiated political settlement that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people is the only sustainable solution to end this conflict," the UN envoy noted.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014, when the Houthi militia seized control over several northern provinces and forced the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa. Enditem

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